Typesetting apparatus



March 9, 1937.

MELLINGER ET AL 2,073,115

TYPESETT ING' APPARATUS Fi'led June 10, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 1,

Qfi//////////// March 9, 1937. E. L. MQhhlNGl-ifi ET AL TYPESETTING APPARATUS Filed June 10, ess 4 fihets-Sheefi 2- Mardfi 9,.1937. E. L. MELLIN ER ET AL 2,073,115

' TYPESET-TIYNG APPARATUS Filed quile 10. 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet s M ch 9, 1937. E. L. MELLINGER ET AL 2,073,115 TRIPEsETTmG APPARATUS I Filed June 10, 19:5 4sheets-sn e'zw Patented Mar. 9, 1937 iJh iTED STATES PATENT OFFICE TYPESETTING APPARATUS Application June 10, 1935, Serial No. 25,700

24 Claims.

Our invention relates to type-setting and typecasting machines, and consists in pneumatic apparatus for effecting the automatic operation of such machines.

By way of illustration and not limitation, we shall describe the invention as it is embodied in or applied to a linotype machine-a form of type-casting machine well known to the printing art.

1 A linotype machine includes a key-board; the manual operation of the key-board efiects (by means of the instrumentalities of the machine) the assembly of lines of type matrices in an assembler; when each line of type matrices is as- 1; sembled, the assembler is manually shifted, and a so-called transfer carriage, embodied in the machine, automatically removes the matrices from the shifted assembler, and presents them to the molding or casting apparatus of the machine.

A supply of molten type metal is maintained in the casting apparatus of the machine; the casting apparatus functions automatically in known way, to cast a line of type in the form of the aligned matrices presented thereto, and auto- 5 matically delivers the type to a receiving pan. When the transfer carriage has removed the line of type matrices from the assembler, the assembler is restored to normal position. The operator then proceeds with the assembly of another line of matrices. It will be understood,

therefore, that the usual operation of a linotype machine involves the manually selective pressing of keys, and the manual shifting of the assembler.

Our object is to provide pneumatic apparatus which is adapted to effect automatically these manual operations; that is, to effect the automatic shifting of the assembler in proper coordination with the automatic assembling of type matrices. We aim to obtain, through the use of pneumatic means, a cushioning of the positive operations of the automatic apparatus.

The type matrices of a linotype machine are stored in a magazine; the magazine usually includes ninety channels, and the different matrices are classified and stored in these channels. Each key of the key-board controls a reciprocable keyrod-a so-called reedand each key-rod or reed controls the outlet of a channel that includes a store of matrices of one class. The outlets of the ninety channels are severally controlled by ninety reeds, which reeds in turn are severally controlled by ninety keys on the key-board of the machine. In normal operation of the machine, the manual pressing of a key is effective,

If the operator of a linotype machine holds a key pressed longer than is necessary to efiect the release of a single matrix, the powerfully driven reed-shifting mechanism will automatically produce a second reciprocation or shifting of its associated reed, and, accordingly, a second matrix will be released from the channel and will enter the assembler. That is to say, by holding down a key, the reed controlled by that key will be continuously reciprocated, and a succession of matrices of one type or class will be released. Of course, it is normally desirable that each manipulation of a key will efiect the release of only one matrix, and to obtain such desideratum the operator must develop such touch that a key will be held down no longer than is necessary to effect a single reciprocation of its associated reed. It will be understood, therefore, that in any automatic operating apparatus which acts directly upon the keys of the machine there is danger of a key becoming stuck in depressed position, whereby all matrices of the class controlled by such key will be released. The assembler will become clogged, and the desired operation of the machine will be obstructed. Furthermore, it often happens that the reed-shifting mechanism becomes dirty or fouled, and fails to respond properly to the keys, whereby the pressing of the keys is ineffective to produce the release of matrices.

More particularly, our invention consists in the provision of apparatus which, in automatically operating a linotype machine, acts directly upon the matrix-releasing reeds, with the consequence and effect that each reed operation is a positive, single operation, capable of effecting the release of a single matrix. Thus, if the apparatus sticks or lags in service, there is absolute assurance against the unintended multiple release of matrices, and any uncertainty as to the operativeness of the usual reed-shifting mechanism is avoided.

While effecting the assembly of type matrices in the assembler, the operator introduces devices known as space-bands at proper points between the successive matrices, to provide the necessary intervals between the words spelled out. The space-bands are stored in a magazine, which is controlled by a reed, operated by a lever mounted adjacent the key-board. The space-bands in known manner are adapted to serve as adjustable wedges within the line of matrices, for forcing the matrices laterally into tight side-byside engagement. The range or degree of wedging adjustment of a space-band is limited, and it frequently happens that an assembled line of matrices does not include a sufficient number of space-bands to provide thereouired wedging effect. When this condition arises, the operator performs what is known as hand spacing.

The magazine of a linotype machine includes several channels (usually three) containing auxiliary spacing means, known as em-quads, figure spaces, and thin-spaces. When the operator observes that an assembled line of matrices is not of sufiicient width to obtain proper casting, he introduces to the assembler the required number and sort of the above-mentioned auxiliary spacing means. This is done by operating one or another of the keys controlling the three channels last named. The operator then takes the auxiliary spacing means in hand, and inserts them in the line of matrices, next to the spacebands already in the line. With the auxiliary spacing means in position, the otherwise insufficient wedging effect of the space-bands is rendered adequate, to tighten the assembly of matrices in the desired manner.

This matter of hand spacing is a thing which for years has barred the way to successful automatic operation of linotype machines, and our invention embraces a practical solution of the problem.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Fig. I is a fragmentary view of a linotype machine in front elevation. Apparatus for automatically operating the machine in accordance with our invention is shown partly in elevation and partly in vertical section. Fig. II is a fragmentary view to larger scale, showing in plan from above the tracker plate, over which is fed the perforated tape that controls the automatic operation of the apparatus. Fig. III is a diagrammatic view, illustrating certain details of the linotype machine structure, and the organization of our apparatus therewith. Fig. IV is an isometric, cross-sectional view of a bellows manifold embodied in the apparatus. Fig. V illustrates in plan from above, and Fig. VI in vertical, medial section, one of the unit valves of the apparatus. Fig. VII is a fragmentary View in perspective of a vacuum manifold or header employed in the illustrated embodiment of the invention. Fig. VIII is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a valve chest embodied in the apparatus. And Fig. IX is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus.

Referring to Fig. I of the drawings, a linotype machine L is shown fragmentarily. The apparatus of our invention is assembled in and carried by a housing If, and is applied to the machine, as shown. A portion of the key-board K of the machine appears in Fig. I, andthe letter R indicates the key-rods which are selectively reciprocable in a vertical direction, in response to the pressing of keys is of the key-board. The magazine channels, in which the type matrices are stored, are located within a cover C, and.

subject to the control of the key-rods R, the matrices are selectively discharged into chutes c, whence they enter the assembler A of the machine in the order of their discharge. The assembler A includes a rack a upon which the matrices are assembled in horizontal alignment; when a line of matrices has been completed, the assembler A is shifted vertically upward, by means of an arm 1, whose swing about its axis of rotation 0 has hitherto been manually effected. As the assembler reaches the upper limit of its range of movement, the transfer carriage T of the machine is by known means caused automatically to travel to the left (Fig. I) in linear course, pushing the assembled line of matrices along guideway G, and introducing them to the casting instrumentalities P of the machine, whereupon a line of type is cast in the pattern of the matrices. Upon removal of the line of matrices from the assembler, the assembler is restored to its lower, matrix-receiving position; the transfer carriage is automatically shifted to the right and restored to its illustrated position; and the discharge of the finished type, and the restoration of the matrices to their respective storage channels, are automatically effected by the machine in known manner. The assembly of another line of type matrices may begin.

The storage magazine M for the space-bands S is located immediately above the transfer carriage T, while the magazine channels for the auxiliary spacing means lie beneath the cover C, in company with the matrix-storing channels. However, the release of the space-bands, as well as the auxiliary spacing means, is controlled by means of key-rods R. Attention will now be directed to Fig. III, to consider how a key l'c controls the release of a matrix 111 from its storage channel M located under the cover C.

Each key 70 of the key-board is mounted upon and comprises the outer terminal of a lever b that swings upon fulcrum f; the inner end of the lever 11 engages a vertically movable member d; an arm or frame 6 is pivotally supported by a frame element h of the machine, and the counterclockwise swing of such arm e is effective to raise a channel-controlling key-rod R; the rise of the key-rod R. effects the turning of an L- shaped arm 2 about a pin 1"; in consequence, the upper end t of arm 2' engages and shifts a slide u, which slide operates a matrix-releasing device 12; the device 11 is a known structure which normally serves as a stay for the line of matrices m stored in the channel M, and which, upon each shifting of the slide u, is effective to release the foremost matrix m from the channel. The released matrix falls down a chute c (Fig. I), and enters the assembler A. Thus, each vertical reciprocation of the key-rod B (Fig. III) effects the release of a matrix from the channel.

As the linotype machines are now constructed and operated, the elevation of the key-rod R is automatically effected upon the depressing of key is, and the automatic means to such end comprise a continuously rotated friction cylinder 20; the arm or frame 6 carries a rotary cam :t; and a trigger a normally so supports the distal end of arm 6 that the cam a: is held out of engagement with the friction cylinder. The pressing of the key 7c effects the rise of member d; the rise of member (1 trips the trigger z, and thus deprives the distal end of arm e of its normal support; the arm e swings clockwise, and the edge of cam x comes to rest upon the rotating friction cylinder w, whereupon the cam and cylinder rotate in unison; the eccentricity of the cam is such that rotation of the cam, as it rides the cylinder, produces the angular oscillation of arm 6 about its point of pivotal attachment to frame element 71.. During its upward swing, the distal end of the arm 6 engages and raises the key-rod R eifecting the release of a matrix m, as explained above. The key k is only momentarily pressed, and when the arm 6 is carried upward by the rotating cam, the trigger immediately returns to its normal, illustrated position. Accordingly, as the arm e reaches the limit of its upward swing and starts downward, it is engaged from beneath by the trigger and arrested. Thus, when a single reciprocation of the reed R has been effected, the cam x automatically comes to rest in position above the surface of cylinder w. The release of a single matrix is thus effected.

If the key It is held down, or becomes stuck in depressed position, the trigger a manifestly will remain in tripped position, and the cam 03 will remain in engagement with the cylinder to, causing the continuous oscillation of the arm e, and the continuous reciprocation of the reed R, whereby all matrices m in the channel will be successively released. The apparatus of our invention includes means for automatically and selectively effecting the release of matrices from the magazine channel, and, while it is contemplated that such means may be organized with the keys is of the key-board, we preferably organize said means immediately with the key-rods R, whereby all danger of unintended multiple release of matrices is avoided. As shown in Fig. III, a lever I is provided for each key-rod R; the lever I is pivotally mounted intermediate its opposite ends upon a pin 2, and the pin 2 is supported by a suitable frame (no-t shown) within the housing H (Fig. I). An abutment 3 is provided on each key-rod, and the distal end of the lever I associated with the key-rod lies immediately beneath such abutment. The opposite end of the lever is pivotally connected to the lower end of a vertical rod 4; the upper end of rod 4 is connected to the movable wall of a bellows 5, and the bellows 5 is mounted upon a bellows manifold 5. The manifold 6 includes a chamber So, as shown in Fig. IV; normally the interior of the bellows 5 communicates by way of a passage l and an orifice 8 with the atmosphere, and due to the inherent elasticity of its flexible walls the bellows normally stands in dilated position. Within the bellows manifold 6 a valve 9 normally blanks communication between the bellows 5 and the chamber 6a; the stem 9a of the valve is secured to a diaphragm I0, say a diaphragm of buckskin, that is peripherally secured over a pocket II formed in the floor of chamber 6a; the pocket II is connected, by a tube I2, to a tubular branch I3a. of a vacuum manifold or header I3, which communicates through pipe I4 with a chest IS, in which a vacuum is maintained by means of an exhaust pump I6.

A vent tube I I2 extends from the top of header branch lSa, and the passage between the branch 53a and the main body I3 of the header is constricted, as indicated at I3b in Figs. III and VII. The outer end of the vent tube H2 is adapted to be alternately opened and closed, through the instrumentality of means hereinafter described; normally the outer end of the vent tube is closed, and the branch I3a, vent tube H2, and pocket I I are maintained at subatmospheric pressure by the action of the vacuum system I4, I5, I6. When, however, the vent tube is opened to the atmosphere, air rushes into branch I3a, tube I2, and pocket II faster than the vacuum system can remove it through the constricted passage I3b, whereby air at substantial pressure (not necessarily atmospheric pressure) exists in the pocket II so long as the tube H2 is vented to the atmosphere.

A conduit I'I connects the manifold chamber 60. toa valve chest I8; as shown in Figs. III and VIII, the valve chest includes a chamber Eta, communicating by way of a conduit I9 and pipe I4 (cf. also Fig. IX) with the vacuum chest I5, whereby a condition of subatmospheric pressure prevails in said chamber I8a. Communication between chamber I8a. and conduit I! is controlled by a slide valve 26; the slide valve normally stands in closed position (Fig. III), and in such position of the valve the conduit I I is vented to the atmosphere through a passage H. A closure flap 22 is provided over the mouth of passage 2I, and the valve 20 carries a pin 23 that, in the closed position of the valve, serves to hold the flap ajar, note dotted line position in Fig. VIII, whereby, as already mentioned, the conduit I1 and chamber 6w normally are subject to atmospheric pressure.

The slide valve 20 is connected by a stem 24 to the movable wall of a bellows 25 (Fig. III), and the organization is such that the collapse of the bellows is effective to shift the valve into open position (Fig. VIII). The pin 23 is carried inward asthe valve moves into open position; the flap 22 is thus freed and swings into position over the mouth of the passage 2|; and the conduit I1 is opened to the influence of the vacuum which is maintained in chamber Isa. Accordingly, the conduit I'I becomes effective to withdraw the air from the chamber 60. of the bellows manifold 6. While a vacuum or a condition of subatmospheric pressure is thus maintained in chamber 6a, the tube II2 is, by means presently to be described vented to the atmosphere. Air enters the pocket II, and the pneumatic pressure below the diaphragm III (Fig. IV) becomes greater than the pressure prevailing in the exhausted chamber 6a, above it. In consequence, the diaphragm rises, carrying the valve 9 upward, closing the orifice 8, and uncovering the port 6b through which valve stem 9a extends, whereby communication is established between the evacuated chamber 6a and the passage I. Thereupon, the air is exhausted from the bellows 5; the bellows 5 collapses; the rod 4 is driven downward; and the lever I (Fig. III) is swung counterclockwise, effecting the matrix-releasing rise of the key-rod R.

As will hereinafter more fully appear, the bellows 25 is caused to remain collapsed for only an instant; that is, the valve 20 is stayed in open position for only a short interval of time. When the valve 28 again enters closed position, the pin 23 becomes effective to move and hold the flap 22 away from the mouth of passage 2|, whereby air again enters conduit I1, and destroys the vacuum in chamber 6a. Simultaneously with the closing of valve 20, the venting of tube II2 to the atmosphere is interrupted, and, by way of constricted passage I31), the air is withdrawn from the tube I2 and the pocket Ii. Thereupon, the restored atmospheric pressure in chamber 601. forces the diaphragm Ill downward, moving the valve 9 back into its illustrated position, and air, flowing inward through orifice 8 and passage I, enters the bellows 5. The bellows expands; the rod-4 and lever I are restored to their normal positions, permitting the key-rod R to drop back into its illustrated position of rest. It will be understood, therefore, that, by temporarily evacuating the chamber 6a, and, by venting the tube I I2 to the atmosphere while such chamber is so evacuated, the release of a single matrix m is effected.

The valve-shifting operation of the bellows 25 is controlled by a unit valve 26 which includes a chamber 26a, as illustrated in detail in Figs. V and VI. A conduit I'm serves to maintain communication between such chamber and the vacuum line I 4, and a condition of subatmospheric pressure is normally maintained in said chamber. A valve 98 normally prevents communication between the chamber 26a and a passage I that is connected, by tube 21, to the bellows 25, and atmospheric pressure normally prevails in the passage I0 and in the internal region or chamber of bellows 25. The floor of chamber 26a includes a pocket IID, closed from above by a flexible diaphragm I09; the lower end of valve stem 93a is secured to the diaphragm, and a vent tube I20 opens at its inner end into the pocket III while the outer end of tube I20 is normally closed by means described below. As distinguished from the chamber 6a in manifold 6, the chamber 25a remains evacuated during normal operation of the apparatus, and the pocket II!) and vent tube I25 communicate through a bleed-hole 28 with the normally evacuated chamber 26a. When the tube I20 is vented to the atmosphere, the inrush of air is greater than the capacity of the bleed-hole for air removal. Accordingly, pneumatic pressure is established beneath the diaphragm I68, while vacuum exists above. In consequence, the diaphragm rises; the valve 90 is elevated, closing the orifice 85 and opening communication between the passage I0 and the vacuum chamber 26a. Thereupon, the air is withdrawn from bellows 25; the bellows collapses, and draws slide valve 29 into open position. It will be understood, therefore, that the venting of tube I20 to the atmosphere is effective to open valve 20, whereupon the chamber 60. is exhausted of air. As already explained, the venting of the tube H2 to the atmosphere, while the chamber 6a is so exhausted, effects the collapse of the bellows 5, and thereby effects a matrix-releasing operation of the key-rod R. Alternately, the closing of the tubes H2 and I26 is followed by the evacuation of the diaphragm pockets II and III) of the devices 6 and 26; thus, the valves 9 and 90 are drawn into their lower positions; air enters bellows 25; the bellows expands, closing the valve 21!, whereby the chamber 6a is restored to normal communication with the atmosphere by way of tube I! and passage 2!; the downward movement of the valve 9 opens the orifice 8, and air enters the bellows and thereupon the bellows 5 expands, raising the rod l, and restoring the key-rod to its normal position of rest.

In the above described manner, a complete matrix-releasing operation of the apparatus is automatically effected by the momentary venting of the tubes H2 and I23 to the atmosphere.

As already mentioned, the usual linotype machine includes 90 keys on its key-board, and with each of the ninety key-rods R that are normally responsive to such keys, we organize a bellows 5. Conveniently, we provide six manifolds 6, which each carry a rank of fifteen of such bellows, and, as shown in Fig. IX, the six manifolds 6 are arranged in a bank, leaving adequate clearance between adjacent manifolds for the operation of the bellows. The operating rods 4 of the ninety bellows each control a key-rod R of the machine (in the manner indicated in Fig. III) and, advantageously, the six ranks of bellows 5 are vertically offset from one another, to admit of the close organization of the operating rods I, cf. Fig. IX.

Turning again to Fig. IV, it will be understood that each manifold 6 includes a valve 9 and an inlet orifice 8 for each bellows 5 in the rank carried thereby, and that the chamber 60, of the manifold includes fifteen diaphragms ID for severally controlling the valves 9. Each of the fifteen pockets I I, closed by the diaphragms I8, is provided with its own tube I2, while a single conduit I'I, subject to a slide valve 20, controls pneumatic pressure conditions within the chamber 6a. When subatmospheric pressure is established within chamber 6a of the manifold (such subatmospheric pressure being established by opening the valve 20, as already explained), any one of the bellows 5 mounted on the manifold may be collapsed, by bringing its associated tube I2 into communication with the atmosphere. It will be understood, then, that each bellows manifold in i the bank of six (Fig. IX) is provided with a conduit I I; each conduit I I is independently con trolled by a slide valve 20, whereby subatmospheric pressure may be selectively established in the chambers 6a: of the six manifolds; each slide valve is independently operable by a bellows and, in the manner already described, the operation of each bellows 25 is controlled by a unit valve 28, which in turn is subject to the control of a vent tube I20. Thus, by opening one or another of the six vent tubes I 20 to the atmosphere, the chamber 6a within one or another of the six manifolds 6 may be exhausted, and, by ad mitting air to one or another of the fifteen tubes I2 organized with the particular manifold that has been exhausted, one or another of the bellows 5 mounted on such manifold may be collapsed.

As shown in Fig. IX, the header I3 is provided with fifteen branches I3a, each provided with a vent tube H2. The tube I2 associated with the bellows 5 standing first in line in the row of fifteen bellows carried by each manifold 5 is connected to the branch I30. that stands first in the line of fifteen branches carried by the header I3. There being six manifolds 5, there are six first bellows 5, and the six tubes I2 severally controlling these first bellows are all connected to the first branch I311 on the header. The six tubes I2 severally controlling the six second bellows 5 in the six rows of bellows are connected to the second branch I311 of the header E3; the six tubes I2 of the third bellows of the six rows are connected to the third branch I 3a of the header; and in such manner the six tubes I2 of the bellows in each of the fifteen correlated groupings of six bellows are connected to one of the branches of the header I3, and the relation of the groups of six (in the fifteen groups of bellows) corresponds with the relation to one another of the several header branches I-la to which the tubes I2 are connected in such grouping. Thus, the ninety tubes I2 controlling the ninety bellows 5 carried by the six manifolds 6 are connected in groups of six to the fifteen header branches IBa, whereby the venting of one or another of the fifteen tubes I i2 will admit air to one or another of the fifteen groups of tubes I2. In Fig. IX, the connection of the tubes I2 of the first group of bellows is illustrated, the connection of the remaining fourteen groups of tubes l2 being omitted for the sake of clarity.

Considering the six first bellows 5 on the six manifolds 5, it will be understood that the venting of the tube 5 52 of the first header branch Ilia will admit air into the six tubes l2 connected thereto, in such manner as will permit the operation of the six bellows. But, as has been already described, it is also necessary that the chamber within a manifold 6 must be exhausted before the operation of any of the bellows on such manifold may be effected. Accordingly, while all six of the first bellows 5 are prepared for operation by the venting of tube 5 52 of the first header branch l3w, none of the six bellows will be operated until, by the opening of a valve 28, one or another of the manifold chambers 6a has been exhausted. That is to say, by venting one or another of the valve-controlling tubes 429, one or another of the manifolds 8 will be exhausted, and only one of the six bellows that are otherwise made ready for operation, by the venting of the said tube H2, will be collapsed. Thus, by selectively venting one of the six tubes I28 simultaneously with the venting of the first tube M2, the operation of any desired one of the six first bellows may be effected. By venting the tube H2 of the second header branch iSa conjointly with the selective venting of one of the six tubes i fi, any of the six second bellows 5 may be operated. Accordingly, it will be understood that, by means of the fifteen vent tubes l 52 and the six vent tubes 23, any one of the ninety bellows 5 may be operated. That is to say, by means of twenty-one tubes, arranged in two groups (H2 and HE), the ninety bellows may be independently and selectively operated; the selective, paired venting of the tubes in the two groups is all that is required to efie'ct the automatic and selective operation of the matrix-releasing key-rods R, of the linotype machine. Our apparatus includes means which cooperate with a perforated tape or ribbon in effecting automatically such paired venting of the tubes 5 i2 25.

The tape or ribbon will ordinarily be formed of paper, and the perforations therein will ordinarily be provided before the tape is introduced to the apparatus. As shown in Figs. I and II, an electric motor 29 is adapted to draw the previously perforated tape P-T from a supply spool 35 and across the face of a tracker plate 3!, which tracker plate in this case is of the arcuate section illustrated. Conveniently, the opposite margins of the tape PT are slotted, as indicated at 32; feeder wheels 33 and 34, having teeth adapted to engage the marginal slots of the tape, are rotatably mounted at the entering and leaving ends of the tracker plate 3|. The feeder wheels 35 at the leaving end of the tracker plate are integrated with a shaft 35 that is powerfully rotated by the motor 29. A reduction gear-box 3E and a clutch 3? are included in the driving connections between the motor and the shaft 35; the shifting of the clutch between engaged and disengaged positions is effected by means of a lever 32, and a tension spring 38 acts upon the lever normally to hold the clutch in engaged position, whereby the shaft 35 is continuously rotated and the perforated tape is advanced acrossthe tracker plate, in the direction of the arrow in Fig. I. Idler wheels 4M, supported at the distal end of a swingable bracket ll, ride the upper surface of the tape, insuring engagement of the feeder wheel teeth with the marginal slots 32 of the tape, and serving to hold the tape in snug face-to-face engagement with the surface of the tracker plate. The movable wall of a normally expanded bellows 25a (Figs. I and IX) is connected to distal end of the clutch-throwing 1ever38, and a unit valve 268, identical in structure and function with the unit valves 26, is adapted, by the venting of its control tube 120a, to effect the collapse of bellows 2.5a, whereby the lever 38 is swung against the resistance of spring and the clutch 3"? is disengaged. The rotaticn of shaft 35, and the consequent advance of the tape P-T is interrupted, and the shaft and tape remain at rest so long as the bellows 25a is deflated.

The tracker plate 3| includes fifteen orifices I58, six orifices es, and four orifices 4!), which extend in substantial alignment transversely of the tracker plate, as indicated in Fig. II. The vent tubes H2 of the fifteen header branches I311 severally are connected to, or terminate in, the fifteen orifices ifiu, and the vent tubes I26, which control the six slide valves Ell, severally terminate in the six orifices E38, cf. Figs. III and IX. The paper tape PT includes a series of perforations, arranged in pairs o transversely of the tape, as shown in Fig. II; during the advance of the tape over the tracker plate, the paired perforations in the tape move successively into momentary registry with one pair or another of the orifices 59, H59 in the tracker plate; that is, one perforation of each pair registers with one of the six orifices 6i) while the companion perforation registers with one of the fifteen orifices 15E}. While one pair of the orifices Ell, I50 are momentarily uncovered by the registry therewith of a pair of perforations o 0, all the remaining orifices 69, use in the tracker bar are covered by the tape. The vacuum or partial vacuum normally prevailing in the tubes H2, i2?) is effective through the orifices S5, 558 to insure a snug engagement of the tape with the face of the tracker plate, whereby imperforate portions of the tape provide an effective seal over all orifices but those two which at a given instant may be in registry with a pair of perforations in the tape. The registry of a pair of perforations o o with two of the orifices 60, I50 in the tracker plate is effective to vent one of the fifteen tubes H2 and one of the six tubes 12. As already mention-ed, such joint venting of tube H2 and tube we is effective to produce an automatic matrix-releasing operation of one of the key-rods R. Thus, it is merely a matter of properly spacing the perforations of each pair relatively to one another and laterally of the tape P-T, to obtain any one of the ninety operations which the key-rods R control, and manifestly a series of paired perforations in the tape may be provided in predetermined arrangement, to effect any desired sequence of individual matrix-releasing operations. That is to say, the travelling tape may be adapted automatically to operate the machine in such selective manner as to build any predetermined line of type matrices in the assembler A.

In a linotype machine, the release of spacebands is usually effected by means of a rod (not shown, but similar to the key-rods R) that is vertically reciprocated by means of a hand lever D (Fig. I). In our apparatus, we provide a bellows to (Fig. IX), having a rod 4a that is adapted to operate the space-band releasing rod, as the rods 4 are adapted to operate the keyrods R, above described. The bellows w is mounted upon an independent manifold 60, conand having a vent tube I2a terminating in the outermost orifice I 2a. of the four orifices 4B in the tracker plate (of. Figs. II, III, and IX). In such manner as the rods 4 respond to the admission of air to their bellows-controlling tubes I 2, the rod 4a responds to the venting of tube I2a, and effects operation of the space-band releasing rod. The tape PT is provided with perforations oI which during the travel of the tape move into momentary registry With the orifices I2a'. Each time that a perforation oI registers with the orifice l2a', air enters the tube I2a; the rod 4a is operated; in consequence, a space-band S is released from the magazine M, and enters the assembler A. As indicated in Fig. II, the perforations oI may be so disposed longitudinally of the tape that a space-band will be automatically introduced between each word spelled out in a given line of type matrices, or at any other desired point in the line.

When a line of type matrices and space-bands has been assembled in the above-described manner, the assembler A is automatically elevated, and the transfer carriage automatically removes the line and presents it to the type-casting apparatus P (Fig. I). A linotype machine, as it is now constructed, embodies means that operate automatically, upon the rise of the assembler, to shift the transfer carriage, then to cast type in the pattern of the line of matrices, then to deliver the cast line of type, and, after the casting operation, to return the matrices and space-bands to their several magazine channels. Whereas the shifting of the assembler has usually been manually effected, we provide means for effecting such operation in coordination with the assembly of matrices; that is, when a full line of matrices has been completed the assembler is automatically elevated, whereupon the usual and known instrumentalities of the linotype machine come into play.

As shown in Figs. I and IX, a piston and cylinder device 43 is provided, and the piston rod 42 of the device is pivotally connected at its upper end to the assembler lever I. The piston in the cylinder normally rests at the lower end of its range of vertical reciprocation. A vaccum line 44 extends from the top of the cylinder to the valve chest I8 (Fig. IX) and a slide valve 20a is operable to establish communcation between such vacuum line 44 and the conduit I9 leading to the vacuum system I4, I5, I6. The valve 200; normally stands in closed position, and communication between the line 44 and the vacuum system normally is blanked. A normally dilated bellows 25b, subject to a unit valve 26c controlled by a vent tube I261), is adapted to effect the movement of the valve 2% into open position. The bottom of cylinvalve 43 is open to the atmosphere, whereby, when the valve 28a opens and vacuum is created above the plunger in the cylinder, the plunger rises, swinging the lever I, and carrying the assembler A into its upper position.

In Figs. I and IX, it will be observed that a rod 45 is secured to the transfer carriage T; the rod 45 carries two valve-throwing fingers 46 and 41 that are adapted to cooperate with the operating arm 48 of a valve 49; the valve 49 is included in the vent tube I 26b that controls the operation of bellows 252); the vent tube I201) terminates in an orifice I2b' in the tracker plate, and the valve 49 normally stands in open position, so that communication between unit valve 260 and orifice I2b' is normally open. Thus, the venting of orifices 2,073,115 'nected by a conduit I 90 to the vacuum line I4,

I2b' serves to admit air to the unit valve 2%, whereby the bellows 25b is collapsed, the valve 20a slid into open position, air is withdrawn, by way of conduit 46, from the upper portion of cylinder 43, and the plunger 42 rises, carrying the assembler A into its upper position. The vent tube I2i a, that controls the unit valve 261] of clutchoperating bellows 25a, is connected to the vent tube I292), as indicated in Fig. IX; a valve 50 is included in the tube Hitler, and a spring serves normally to maintain the operating arm 52 of the valve in its illustrated position, in which communication between the unit valve 263 and tracker plate orifice I2b is unrestricted. As shown in Fig. II, the tape PT is provided with a perforation 02, arranged behind the series of perforations o o and oI that effects the automatic assembly of a complete line of type matrices and space-bands in the assembler A. When the tape P-T, in advancing over the tracker plate, has effected such assembly of a line of matrices and space-bands, the perforation 02 moves into registry with the orifice I2b'. Thereupon, air enters tubes 128a and I281); unit valves 260 and 26c function, and bellows 25a and 251) are collapsed, whereby the clutch 37 is disengaged and slide valve 23a is opened. Thus, the travel of the tape over the tracker plate is interrupted, leaving the perforation 02 in tube-venting registry with the orifice i2o, and the vacuum system I4, I5, It becomes efiective through conduit 44, to draw the plunger in cylinder 43 upward and elevate the assembler A. The plunger rod 42 carries a finger 53 that is downwardly flexible, but upwardly inflexible, from its normal horizontal position. As the plunger rod 42 moves upward and elevates the assembler A, the finger 53, upon coming into engagement with valve arm 52, yields downward (of. the dotted line position of the finger in Fig. I), and brushes past the arm 52, whereby the valve 50 remains in open position, and the unit valve 2% remains in communication with vented orifice I2b'. As the rising assembler A reaches its elevated position, the transfer carriage T, as already mentioned, is automatically shifted from right to left, removing the line of assembled matrices from the assembler, and introducing them to the automatic type-casting mechanism of the machine. The transfer carriage carries the rod 55 with it, as the arrow indicates in Fig. IX, and, during such movement of the rod 45, the finger 4? moves into engagement with and throws the arm 48 of valve 49. This closes the valve. Communication between the unit valve 260 and the open tracker plate orifice I22) is blanked; the bellows 25b expands and closes valve 25a; air enters conduit 44; the plunger in cylinder 43 moves downward, and permits the assembler to return under gravity to its normal matrix-receiving position. The finger 47 is so positioned on the rod 45 that the valve 49 is not swung into closed position, until transfer carriage T has traversed an interval sufficient to eifect the removal of the complete line of matrices from the assembler A. Thus, there is no danger of a premature lowering of the assembler.

During the descent of the assembler to its normal position, the finger 53 on the plunger rod 42 engages the valve arm 52 from above, and swings the arm downward, into valve-closing position; the angular downward swing of the arm 52 continues until the tip of the finger 53 brushes past or clears the tip of the arm, whereupon the spring EI draws the arm upward into its normal position. Thus, as the assembler descends and enters its normal matrix-receiving position, the valve 5|] is momentarily closed; the passage through tube Him is momentarily blanked; the unit valve 26!] operates to admit air to the bellows 25a; the bellows expands; the clutch 31 returns to engaged position, and the tape, again travels over the tracker plate. It will be understood, therefore, that the momentary closing of the valve 5!! is adequate to start the travel of the tape over the tracker plate, whereby the perforation 02 is moved from registry with the orifice l2b. Thus, as the assembler enters normal position, the vent tubes 129a and 2231) are closed at orifice I22), and remain so until the perforation 02 at the end of a succeeding group of matrix-assembling perforations o comes into registry with such orifice.

It will be recalled that, in the right-to-left shifting of the transfer carriage, the finger i'l operates to close the valve 49 as soon as the line of matrices is removed from the assembler. That is to say, while perforated tape P--T is at rest upon the tracker plate and the perforation o2 lies in registry with the orifice I21), the moving carriage T first removes the assembled line of matrices from the assembler, and then, by means of finge ll, closes the valve 69. Thus, while the orifice 223 is still vented to the atmosphere, the valve is operated to blank tube IZlib, whereby the valve Zea is closed and the assembler is lowered. It will be understood, however, that the tube i280; remains open, during the initial downward movement of the assembler, whereby the clutch 3i is held disengaged position, until the 1 assembler approaches its lower, matrix-receiving position, and the finger 53 throws the valve ea. As the valve 53 closes and the tape PT again travels, closing the orifice I22), the valve 53 returns to normal position, under influence of spring at, and is ready again to disengage the clutch, when a new line of matrices has been assembled. As already mentioned, the finger ll on rod 55 throws the valve 49 into closed position when the transfer carriage, in its automatic right-to-left movement, has removed the line of matrices from the elevated assembler. As distinguished from the valve 59, however, the valve 49 does not return immediately to its normal position of adjustment, but remains in closed position, While the transfer carriage proceeds in its right-to-left travel, and while the assembler moves downward in response to the closing of valve 49. When the transfer carriage has delivered the line of matrices to the casting apparatus of the linotype machine, and its course of travel is automatically reversed, the finger 41, in being flexible to the left of its normal vercal position, brushes past the arm 43, whereby the valve remains closed, until the rigid finger on red i5 engages and swings the arm 48 clockwise, thereby resetting said valve in open position. The parts are so proportioned and the operation is so timed that the valve 19 is not reset in open position until the assembler has reached its lower position and the tape P-T is type matrices and space-bands in the assembler, another automatic elevation -of the assembler. And it will be perceived that the operation of the composing or type-casting machine is rendered wholly automatic.

The elimination of hand spacing remains for consideration. In the usual linotype machine three of the keys .k of the key-board are arranged severally to control the release of emquads, figure spaces, and thin spaces, and, as explained in the forepart of this specification, these spacing means must in some cases be intro duced with each space-band in the assembler, to bring the line of matrices therein up to proper gauge.

Sometimes the heavy em-quads are used with the space-bands; again the lighter figure spaces or thin-spaces are used, depending upon the amount of slack to be taken up in the line of matrices. In the ensuing specification means are described for automatically assembling paired thin-spaces and space-bands at desired points in a line of matrices in the assembler, and it will be understood that identical means may be provided for effecting the paired assembly of em-quads and space-bands, or, alternately, the paired assembly of figure spaces and space-bands, at desired points in the assembler. That is to say, the description of automatic hand-spacing, as it is applied to thin-spaces, will be comprehensive of the operation as it may be effected with emquads or figure spaces. And in the appended claims the term auxiliary spaces will be understood to cover all three.

The eighth key 70 (not shown) in the second row of keys on the key-board K controls the individual feeding of thin-spaces to the assembler The bellows 5 that operates the key-rod R of the thin-space key is eighth in the line of fifteen bellows carried by the second manifold 6 (con sidering the uppermost manifold the first) in the bank of six shown in Fig. IX. To effect the automatic release of a thin-space, the chamber (6a) of such second manifold must be exhausted, and the eighth tube H2 must be simultaneously vented to the atmosphere. It will be understood from the foregoing description that the venting of the second orifice (582) of the six orifices Bil in the tracker plate, simultaneously with the venting of the eighth orifice (Iliii8) in the line of fifteen orifices 15c, will be effective to operate the thin-space releasing bellows 5. And it will be further understood that a pair of perforations o 0 may be so spotted in the series of paired perforations in the tape P--T that the said orifices (682 and MES) will be vented to effect the introduction of a thin-space at any desired point in a line of matrices being assembled. However, it will be recalled that hand spacing involves not merely the introduction of auxiliary spaces, but consists in the grouping of auxiliary spaces with space-bands, and in most cases the need for auxiliary spaces with the space-bands is not known until a line of matrices has been assembled.

To achieve automatic hand spacing, we provide in the tape P-I a perforation 03 (Fig. II), at the end of each series of perforations o 0 and 0!,and in the tracker plate 3! we provide an orifice 003 which, during the travel of the tape, is adapted to be vented by the perforation 03 and to operate means for effecting the automatic release of a thin-space each time that a space-band is released. The last-mentioned means comprise a valve (Fig. IX), having a valve-adjusting arm 56 that is controlled, by means of a reciprocable throw rod 51. A bypass tube H20 extends from the valve 55 to the vent tube H2 that terminates in the tracker plate orifice I508, it being recalled that the Venting of such .orifice is one of the conditions which must be established, to effect the automatic release of a thin-space. In the valve chest I8, a normally closed slide valve 20d is adapted, upon the collapse of a bellows 25d, to be shifted into open position; the collapsing of the bellows 25d is controlled by a unit valve 26d, and the venting of a tube l 20d, extending from the unit valve 26d to the rotary valve 55 operates the unit valve to collapse the bellows, and thereby to effect the shifting of the slide valve 20d into open position, just as the venting of a tube I20 causes a valve 20 to be shifted into open position. When the slide valve 25d opens, the air in the aforementioned second manifold 6 is exhausted, by way of the second conduit I1 and a by-pass pipe I'Id. Accordingly, each time that the tubes H20 and IZild are vented, the second manifold 6 will be exhausted, and, concurrently, the tube H2 which terminates in orifice I508 will be vented, thereby establishing the already described conditions essential to effect the release of a thin-space.

A vent tube I I2d extends from the valve 55 to the tracker plate orifice I2a; when a perforation 0| in the tape PT moves into registry with the orifice I2a', the tube I2a is vented, and, as explained above, the bellows 5a operates to release a space-band. Normally, the valve 55 is adjusted in its illustrated position, and the terminals of the three tubes I I20, I20d, and I I2d within the valve are blanked, whereby the apparatus operates to assemble matrices and space-bands individually. When, however, the line of matrices requires auxiliary spaces, and a perforation 03 has accordingly been provided in the tape PT, the otherwise normal operation is modified, as follows:

As the travellingtape approaches the position on the tracker plate in which the leading pair of matrix-releasing perforations o 0 comes into alignment with the orifices 60, I50, the perforation o3, trailing at the end the series of perforations o. .0 and o I moves into momentary registry with the tracker plate orifice 003. This momentary uncovering of orifice 003 vents a tube Hie to the atmosphere; in consequence a unit valve 26c operates to collapse a bellows 25c; the collapse of bellows 25c effects the movement of throw rod 51 to the left (Fig. IX), and the arm 58 is swung into its alternate position, in which communication among the tubes H20, I I26! and Ill-3d is established. Under these conditions, each time that aperforation oI in the travelling tape uncovers the orifice I2a and effects the release of a space-band, the tubes H20 and I 2011 are vented to the atmosphere by way of tube I I2d, and cause the release of a thin-space. Thus, a space-band and a thin-space are caused to enter the assembler A together, or in immediate succession.

The movable wall of the bellows 25c is not secured to the rod 51a, but is adapted to abut a stop 57a thereon, in such manner that the rod is shifted when the bellows collapses. While the registry of perforation 03 with the orifice 003 is but momentary, and while the bellows 25c therefore remains collapsed for only a moment, the immediate return of the bellows 25c to dilated condition does not affect the adjustment of the valve 55, the movable wall of the bellows simply recedes from its abutment with stop 51a, and the rod 51 and the valve 55 temporarily remain in the positions in which the collapsing action of the bellows has shifted them. Accordingly, as the tape continues in its travel over the tracker plate, the successive registry of one perforation oI after another with the orifice I2a' will effect the paired assembly of space-bands and thin-spaces at desired points in the line of matrices being assembled. Thus, hand spacing is achieved automatically.

When the last of the series of perforations 0. .0 has passed over the tracker plate orifices 60, I50, and a complete line of matrices and paired space-bands and thin-spaces has thus been assembled, the trailing perforation 03 comes into registry with the orifices I2c', at substantially the same instant that the perforation 02 moves into registry with the orifice I2b', to effect the automatic elevation of the assembler and the other operations of the apparatus, already described. The registry of the perforation 03 with the orifice I20, causes the venting of a tube H2 the venting of tube I I2) operates a unit valve 26f, which in turn effects the collapse of a bellows 25f; and the collapse of bellows 25 effects the leftto-right movement of the throw rod 51, whereby the valve arm 56 is restored to its illustrated position. Thus, communication among the tubes H20, H2d, I20d is blanked, and normal matrixassembling operationoperati0n without automatic hand spacing-may proceed. That is to say, when the registry of perforation 02 with orifice I2b' effects the elevation of the assembler, together with an intermission in the advance of the tape P-T, the simultaneous registry of perforation 03 with orifice I2c' restores the apparatus to condition for normal operation.

It often happens that auxiliary spacing means I must be used alone-without paired association' with a space-band-in a line of matrices that also includes auxiliary spacing means that are paired with space-bands. That is to say, while our apparatus is operating to effect hand spacing in the line of matrices being assembled, it may be desirable to introduce individually to the line one or more auxiliary spaces. To this end, a check valve H6 is included in the vent tube H20. The check valve permits air-flow in the direction of the arrow, and prevents flow in the opposite direction. When the apparatus is in condition to effect automatic hand spacing, the venting of orifice I2a' in the tracker plate admits air to tubes H2d, IZild, and H20, to effect in the described manner the release of a thin-space, while simultaneously admitting air to tube I2a, to effect the release of a space-band. While the apparatus is thus operative, the orifices 602 and I508 may be vented by a pair of perforations o. .o in the tape, whereby to effect the desiredrelease of a thinspace alone. It will be perceived that such venting of the orifice I508 will not be effective upon the space-band controlling tube I2a, since the check valve serves to prevent the flow of air towards. the valve 55. (Otherwise the air admitted through orifice I508 could reach the tube I2a, through valve 55 and tube H211, and would produce a space-band releasing operation of bellows 5a.) Accordingly, while the apparatus is automatically effecting hand spacing, during the assembly of a given line of matrices, it is possible automatically to introduce auxiliary spacing means alone at desired points in the line.

When there is no tape on the tracker plate 3|, such as may be the case when a run of tape has been completed and a new tape is being introduced, it is desirable that the effect of the vacuum in chest [5 shall be neutralized, otherwise the venting of all the orifices in the tracker plate together would manifestly produce many needless and perhaps destructive operations of valves and bellows. To such end, we provide a master valve 20h, controlling communication between the vacuum chest I5 and the other elements of the apparatus, cf. Figs. III and IX. The valve 2971 stands in retracted or open position during the normal operation of the apparatus, but if for any reason the tape P-T becomes torn, or is removed from the tracker plate, an orifice lid is uncovered, venting a tube l2h. The venting of tube [2h operates a unit valve 26h, causing the collapse of a bellows 2571., and the shifting of valve 20h into closed position. The unit valve 26h obtains its evacuating effect through a conduit l'lflh, extending immediately into the vacuum chest l5, so that the closing of the valve 2071. does not interrupt the operation of the unit valve 2th in maintaining the bellows collapsed, whether or no the master valve 20h is closed. Thus, the bellows h remains collapsed and the master valve remains closed, so long as the tape is not operatively organized with the tracker plate.

Throughout the drawings and the above specification, we have in the main shown and described bellows as the pneumatic means for effecting the various operations of our apparatus, but we wish it to be understood that cylinder and plunger units or the like may be used in place of the bellows.

The provision of the perforated tape PT is not primarily the concern of our present invention, but we may mention that several tape-perforating apparatuses are known to the art. We have in mind, for example, a perforating apparatus which is commonly used in conjunction with a monotype machinea machine well known in the printing art. Such apparatus includes a key board, by means of which an operator controls the operation of the apparatus in selectively perforating a paper tape, whereby the tape is adapted to effect the automatic operation of the monotype machine. Again, many existing news distributing agencies are equipped with tape-perforating teletypewriters, whose individual or collective operation is controlled electrically in a distant sending station. In view of such present practice, the engineer will know how to provide mechanism for perforating the tape P-T in such manner as to effect the desired operation of our automatic matrix-assembling apparatus.

While the particular tape-perforating apparatus is, as mentioned above, of only incidental concern in the invention, it will be understood that the particular arrangement of the hand spacing perforations is of the essence of the invention. The hand spacing perforations are provided after each series of matrix-assembling perforations has been formed in the tape. In this case the hand spacing perforation 03 is shown as provided at the end of the series of matrixassembling perforations 0 0 shown in Fig. II. Thus, after the perforations o o (the perforations necessary to effect the assembly of a specified line of type matrices, space-bands, and auxiliary spaces) have been provided in the tape, and the operator of the tape-perforating machine has had opportunity to observe that hand spacing is required in the line, he need not retrace his work, but may then provide a perforation 03, which will be just as effective as though the need for hand spacing was known and fulfilled at the beginning of the line of matrix-assembling perforations. 1 1 1 We contemplate that a central news-distributing office may be adapted to operate tape-perforating machines in various newspaper plants throughout the country, whereby each plant will be supplied automatically with tape for automatically operating its linotype, intertype, or other composing machines. Indeed, it will be apparent to the engineer that the tape-perforating mechanism may be organized immediately with a composing machine, whereby it becomes possible for a single operator in New York, say, to control the automatic operation of composing machines in any desired number of distant cities. In such way type for the printing of newsparticularly syndicated news-may be more quickly and economically accomplished.

We claim as our invention:

1. In a type-casting machine including an as sembler movable between receiving and discharging positions, a plurality of magazine channels for the storage of type matrices, a plurality of key-rods severally controlling the release of matrices from said channels, and means for introducing the released matrices into said assembler when it is in receiving position; the combination of a vacuum system including a plurality of pneumatic actuating devices severally organized immediately with said key-rods, pneumatic means for moving said assembler between its alternate positions, a tracker plate, and means responsive to the advance of perforated tape over said tracker plate for selectively operating said pneumatic devices, whereby a line of predetermined matrices is assembled in said assembler and said assembler is automatically moved into discharge position.

2. In a type-casting machine including an assembler, a plurality of magazine channelsfor the storage of type matrices, a plurality of key-rods severally controlling the release of matrices from said channels, and means for introducing the released matrices into said assembler; the combination of a vacuum chest, a plurality of pneumatic actuating devices severally organized immediately with said key-rods, a tracker plate, and means responsive to the passage of tape over said tracker plate for selectively subjecting said devices to the effect of said vacuum chest, whereby said devices automatically operate to assemble a line of predetermined matrices in said assembler.

3. In a type-casting machine including an assembler movable between receiving and discharging positions, a plurality of magazine channels for the storage of type matrices, means including a plurality of elements severally operable for effecting the release of matrices from said channels, and means for introducing the released matrices into said assembler when in receiving position; the combination of a vacuum system including a plurality of pneumatic actuating devices severally organized with said op erating elements, pneumatic means for moving said assembler between its alternate positions, a tracker plate, and pneumatic means responsive to the advance of perforated tape over said tracker plate for selectively operating said devices, whereby a line of predetermined matrices is automatically assembled in said assembler, and means responsive to said advance of tape for effecting automatic operation of said assembler-moving means in coordination with the operation of said devices in efiecting such assembly of matrices.

4. In a type-casting machine including an assembler for receiving a line of type matrices, a transfer carriage for removing such line of type from said assembler, a plurality of magazine channels including type matrices, means including a plurality of elements severally operable for effecting the release of matrices from said channels, and means for introducing the released matrices into said assembler; the combination of a vacuum system including a plurality of pneumatically controlled actuating devices severally organized with said operating elements, a tracker plate including a plurality of orifices, a perforate tape normally overlying said orifices, means for advancing said tape over said plate, whereby various orifices are momentarily uncovered by the perforations in said tape, means responsive to such uncovering of the orifices for effecting the automatic operation of said actuating devices, whereby a line of matrices is assembled in said assembler, pneumatic means for automatically moving said assembler from matrix-receiving position into discharge position for cooperation with said transfer carriage, and means for automatically interrupting the advance of tape over said tracker plate while said assembler is in said discharge position.

5. The structure of claim 4, together with means for effecting the automatic return of said assembler to matrix-receiving position in synchronism with the operation of said tape-advanc ing means.

6. The structure of claim 4, together with means for effecting the automatic return of said assembler to matrix-receiving position when said line of matrices has been removed from the assembler, and automatic means for rendering said tapeadvancing means effective again to advance the tape when said pneumatically shifted assembler returns to its matrix-receiving position.

7. A type-casting machine including classified stores of type-matrices, an assembler adapted to receive a line of such matrices, said assembler being movable between matrix-receiving and discharging positions, and a movable transfer carriage for automatically removing the line of matricesfrom said assembler in discharging position, pneumatic means for automatically moving said assembler into discharging position when a line of matrices has been assembled therein, and pneumatic means coordinated with the movement of said transfer carriage for initiating the automatic return of said assembler to matrix-receiving position when said line of matrices has been removed from the assembler.

8. In a type-casting machine including an assembler, stores of type-matrices, space-bands, and auxiliary spaces, a plurality of operating elements severally adapted to effect the individual removal of matrices, space-bands and auxiliary spaces from said stores, and means for introducing the so-removed members to said assembler; the combination of a plurality of actuating devices severally organized with said operating elements, automatic means for effecting the individual and selective operation of said actuating devices, whereby matrices, space-bands and auxiliary spaces are individually introduced in predetermined order into said assembler, and means subject to automatic control for alternately effecting the introduction of paired space-bands and auxiliary spaces into said assembler in predetermined coordination with the introduction of matrices while admitting of said individual introduction of auxiliary spaces.

9. In a type-casting machine including an assaid tracker plate, whereby said orifices are selectively vented by the perforations in said tape, means automatically responsive to such venting of said orifices for controlling the individual operation of said actuating devices, whereby matrices, space-bands and auxiliary spaces are individually introduced in predetermined order into said assembler, and normally ineffective means which are adapted occasionally to be rendered effective for automatically introducing paired space-bands and auxiliary spaces at predetermined points in the line of individually introduced matrices, thereby effecting automatic hand spacing, as described.

10. The structure of claim 9, in which the normally ineffective means for automatically hand spacing comprise a pneumatic element, and said tracker plate includes a particular orifice which, when vented, operates said pneumatic element, to hold said hand spacing means effective until released.

11. The structure of claim 9, in which the normally ineffective means for automatically hand spacing are subject to the venting of a particular orifice which is disposed in trailing relation to the first-mentioned orifices in said tracker plate.

12. The structure of claim 9, in which the normally ineffective means for automatically hand spacing comprise a pneumatic element, and said tracker plate includes a trailing orifice which, when vented, operates said pneumatic element, whereby said hand spacing means are held effective for a predetermined interval, and means responsive to a leading orifice in said tracker plate for restoring said hand spacing means to normal condition.

13. In a type-casting machine including an assembler, and means for introducing type-matrices, space-bands and. auxiliary spaces into said assembler, the combination of means for automatically and selectively controlling said firstmentioned means, and automatic means adapted to be rendered effective for introducing spacebands and auxiliary spaces in pairs at predetermined points in a line of matrices being assembled in said assembler while admitting of the automatic introduction of space-bands and auxiliary spaces individually at other points in said line.

14. In a type-casting machine including a plurality of magazine channels for the classified storage of type-matrices, a plurality of operating elements severally organized with said channels for effecting the individual release of matrices therefrom, the combination of a plurality of manifolds, a plurality of pneumatic actuating devices organized with each manifold, and the actuating devices of the several manifolds being severally connected to said operating elements, each actuating device having a control tube, means for exhausting said manifolds, manifold vent tubes for selectively controlling said last-mentioned means, means organized with each actuating device and being responsive to the venting of its control tube, while its associated manifold is exhausted, for operating said device and thereby effecting a matrix-releasing operation of the operating element organized therewith, the control tubes of the actuating devices of said manifolds being interconnected in groups including each a control tube of one actuating device of each manifold, whereby a maximum number of actuating devices may be controlled by a minimum number of vent and control tubes, as described.

15. In a type-casting machine including an assembler, a classified store of type matrices, means including a plurality of elements severally operable for effecting the selective assembly of matrices in said assembler; the combination of a vacuum chest, a plurality of pneumatic actuating devices severally organized with said operating elements, a tracker plate, and pneumatic means responsive to the passage of tape over said tracker plate for selectively subjecting said devices to the influence of said chest.

16. A type-casting machine including a classified store of type matrices, an assembler adapted to receive a line of such matrices, pneumatic means for automatically elevating said assembler upon the assembly of a line of mat rices therein, a transfer carriage for removing the line from the elevated assembler, and pneumatic means responsive to the movement of said transfer carriage for automatically controlling the return of said assembler to normal position.

17. A type-casting machine including a classified store of type matrices, an assembler movable between matrix-receiving and matrix-discharging positions, means for removing matrices from said assembler, and pneumatic means responsive to the movement of said last-mentioned means for automatically effecting the movement of said assembler from matrix-discharging to matrix-receiving position.

18. A type-casting machine including a classified store of type matrices, an assembler movable between matrix-receiving and matrix-discharging positions, a travelling control element, means responsive to said control element for automatically assembling matrices in said assembler, pneumatic means responsive to said travelling control element for shifting said assembler into matrix-discharging position, means for interrupting the travel of said control element, a transfer carriage for removing matrices from said assembler, pneumatic means responsive to the movement of said transfer carriage for restoring said assembler to matrix-receiving position, and means responsive to the movement of said assembler into matrix-receiving position for restoring said control element to travelling operation.

19. A composing machine including a classified store of type members, an assembler movable between type-receiving and type-discharging positions, a travelling control element, means responsive to said control element for moving said assembler into type-discharging position, and pneumatically controlled means for automatically intermitting the travel of said control element, and pneumatically controlled means responsive to the movement of said assembler for automatically restoring said control element to travelling operation.

20. In a composing machine including means for automatically assembling a line of type matrices, space-bands, and auxiliary spaces, the combination of a tape, means for effecting travel of said tape, and means cooperating with said travelling tape for controlling said automatic operation of the composing machine, a series of perforations formed in said tape for controlling the automatic assembly of type matrices, and a perforation formed in said tape subsequently to said first-mentioned perforations for controlling the introduction of grouped space-bands and auxiliary spaces at predetermined points throughout said line.

21. In a composing machine including means for automatically assembling a line of type matrices, space-bands, and auxiliary spaces, the combination of a tape, means for effecting travel of said tape, and means cooperating with said travelling tape for controlling said automatic operation of the composing machine, a series of perforations formed in said tape for controlling the automatic assembly of type matrices, and a perforation formed in said tape subsequently to said first-mentioned perforations for controlling the introduction of grouped space-bands and auxiliary spaces at predetermined points throughout said line, while admitting of the individual introduction of auxiliary spaces under the control of said tape, as described.

22. In a composing machine including means for automatically assembling a line of type matrices, space-bands, and auxiliary spaces, the combination of a tape, means for effecting travel of said tape, and means cooperating with said travelling tape for controlling said automatic operation of the composing machine, said tape including a series of perforations for controlling the automatic assembly of type matrices, and a trailing perforation for controlling the in-- troduction of grouped space-bands and auxiliary spaces in the assembly of type matrices controlled by the preceding series of perforations.

2 3. In a composing machine including means for automatically assembling a line of type matrices, space-bands, and auxiliary spaces, the combination of a tape, means for effecting travel of said tape, and means cooperating with said travelling tape for controlling said automatic operation of the composing machine, said tape in-- cluding a series of perforations for controlling the automatic assembly of type matrices, and a trailing perforation for controlling the introduction of grouped space-bands and auxiliary spaces in the assembly of type matrices controlled by the preceding series of perforations, while admitting of the individual introduction of auxiliary spaces under the control of said tape, as described.

24. In a composing machine including means for automatically assembling a line of type matrices, space-bands, and auxiliary spaces, the combination of a tape, means for effecting travel of said tape, and means cooperating with said travelling tape for controlling said automatic operation of the composing machine, said tape including a series of perforations for controlling the automatic assembly of type matrices, means for effecting the automatic introduction of grouped space-bands and auxiliary spaces at predetermined points in said line, a perforation trailing said series of perforations in said tape, means spaced apart in the direction of travel of said tape and cooperating with said trailing perforation in controlling said last-mentioned means.

- EDWARD L. MELLINGER.

ORREIL R. HERWICK. 

